Page 112 of Cole

The large front doors opened as Thomas brought the vehicle to a stop in front of them. Annie stood framed in the doorway, her slender figure silhouetted against the golden light behind her. Even from a distance, Cole could see her smile.

Cole had his door opened before Thomas could get there to open it for him.

“I’ll bring your bags, sir,” Thomas said as Cole climbed out of the SUV.

Cole barely heard him. He was already moving toward Annie, his heart pounding. All thoughts of twin sisters and secrets temporarily pushed aside by the sight of her.

She flew down the steps and into his arms, nearly knocking him off balance. Cole lifted her off her feet, burying his facein her hair, breathing in the familiar scent he’d missed so desperately.

“You’re here,” Annie whispered against his neck, her arms tight around him.

“I’m here,” Cole confirmed, setting her gently back on her feet but not letting go. He pulled back just enough to look at her face, drinking in the sight of her blue-green eyes, the flush in her cheeks from the cold air.

Without another word, he lowered his head and kissed her, pouring weeks of missing her into the contact. Annie responded with equal fervor, her hands coming up to frame his face.

When they finally broke apart, Annie smiled up at him. “Happy New Year’s Eve.”

“Already the best one I’ve ever had,” Cole replied, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

A discreet cough reminded them they weren’t alone. Thomas stood a respectful distance away, Cole’s bags in hand.

“Sorry,” Annie said, though her smile suggested she wasn’t sorry at all. She turned toward the house. “Let’s get inside. It’s freezing out here.”

Cole kept his arm around her waist as they climbed the steps. “Your dad here?”

“He’s in his office,” Annie said, a slight tension entering her voice.

As they entered the grand foyer, Cole couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease as they crossed the threshold into Duncan Burke’s domain. The man had nearly ended their relationship once already—and now Cole was carrying a secret that could potentially change everything for this family.

The interior of the house was even more impressive than its exterior—soaring ceilings, a massive stone fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that would offer spectacular views in daylight. The decor was elegant but understated, with rich woods and neutral tones creating a surprisingly warm atmosphere.

“Wow,” Cole said, taking it all in. “This place is incredible.”

“And this is just the entrance hall,” Annie said with a small smile. “Even though no one will see it except a few select people, Dad still had it built to make an impression.”

“Mission accomplished,” Cole muttered, just as the man himself appeared from a doorway to their right.

“Mr. Halverson,” he said, extending his hand. “Welcome to our home.”

Cole stepped forward to shake his hand, noting the firm grip and evaluating gaze. “Thank you for having me, sir. And for arranging the transportation.”

“The least I could do,” Duncan replied, his tone neutral but not unfriendly. “I trust your flight was comfortable?”

“Very,” Cole said, acutely aware of the unspoken exchange passing between them. The email about the woman claiming to be Angelica hung in the air, invisible to Annie but unmistakable between the two men.

“Annie can show you to your room so you can freshen up. We’ll have plenty of time to talk after dinner.”

The slight emphasis on “talk” wasn’t lost on Cole. He nodded, grateful for the reprieve, however brief.

“Thank you, Dad,” Annie said, squeezing Cole’s hand.

A slender woman with silver-streaked dark hair approached them, her posture regal but her smile warm. Duncan smiled at her, warmth chasing away the stern expression he’d exuded since greeting Cole.

“You must be Cole,” she said as she stopped at her husband’s side. “I’m Elizabeth, Annie’s stepmother.”

Cole extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

“Please, call me Elizabeth,” she said, clasping his hand in both of hers. “Annie has told us so much about you.”

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